Materials: 3 pieces of paper, labeled “Agree,” “Disagree,” and “It depends.” Masking Tape.
Purpose: To explore ideas and assumptions about gossip, a common source of conflict. Appropriate for Grades 7-12.
Time: 15 minutes.

Directions: Post the three sheets of paper in different places in the room. Ask the participants to listen to the first statement about gossip, listed below, and move to the appropriate area of the room, depending on whether they agree or disagree with the statement. When everyone has moved, ask one or two people from each group to explain their response. If participants change their minds while listening to the reasoning of others, they are free to move to another spot in the room. Let the conversation continue as long as everyone seems engaged, then move on to the next statement.

1. Gossip is never true.
2. Gossip always hurts someone.
3. Everyone gossips to some extent.
4. Males gossip as much as females.
5. Gossip can be addictive: the more you hear, the more you want to hear.
6. People gossip because it makes them feel better about themselves.
7. People gossip in order to make sense of what is going on around them

Variations: Adjust the statements about gossip to make them more relevant to your group. Note: Gossip is often associated with women and girls, so you may want to think about how you might respond to any stereotyping that comes up.

Source: Victory over Violence project - www.vov.com/educational/

CRE Calendar Usage: 1st Edition